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Rookie Blue Review: Not Just Any Other Day

Tonight Rookie Blue walked us through the aftermath of Jerry's death, and although some fans were furious that the show killed off a beloved original character, I honestly can't complain. Not when it's followed up with what I consider to be the very best episode of the show's three seasons.

"Cold Comforts" struck the perfect balance between heartbreak and humor, as everyone remembered their friend and they struggled just to make it through the day.

Tomorrow we're going to wake up and the world's going to expect it to be like any other day. | permalink

But everything had changed and everyone dealt with the loss in his/her own way.

Starting with Traci. Enuka Okuma gave a wonderfully understated performance as she held back tears for most of the day. Yet the quiet torture of every breath and every step she took - knowing that her fiance would never come home - was heart breaking.

Oliver was once again a standout, swinging from overwhelming sadness to humor and back again, remembering his dear friend. The moments at the Black Penny between him and Noelle couldn't have been better. On one hand, Oliver was saving Jerry's seat and his Scotch and admitting that he never got to tell Jerry what a good man and a good cop he thought he was. On the other, he was joking with Noelle about her newborn and asking about breastfeeding while telling her:

Gail was so traumatized she could barely leave her hospital room. It was great to see Nick trying to help her. It drove home that he really does care for Gail, but he was ill equipped to deal with her guilt over Jerry's death.

The only person who could help her through that was Traci and it proved to be one of the most remarkably touching scenes of the series. Gail couldn't meet Traci's eyes as she confessed on a quiet sob:

Now every time you look at me you are going to be reminded of why your fiance died. | permalink

Traci's response spoke of her character's fortitude in the face of such crushing grief.

I'm going to be reminded that his death meant something and that he died for something important. | permalink

And while Traci reading Jerry's wedding speech had me fighting tears, Sam's declaration to Andy was when I lost the battle.

You could see right from the funeral. Sam was distancing himself from Andy in every way possible, as though being in her presence was simply too painful.

Where everyone else joked or cried or lashed out, Sam internalized all of his grief and anger. And then it all came spilling out when he told Andy if he had only not listened to her his dear friend might still be alive.

Was the accusation fair? Of course not - but Sam's being swallowed up in his own despair. He's building a wall to protect himself and leaving Andy on the outside. The devastation in Andy's eyes as the love of her life walked away from her was what did me in.

There were so many outstanding moments in this episode that there's no way for me to list them all, but here are a few more things worth mentioning.

It seemed right that Chris and Dov bonded together to box up Jerry's things. It simply solidified an already stellar bromance.

Dale's mullet was amazing. Did he step out of a time machine from 1991?

Every time we get a scene with Oliver and Noelle together, I'm just left wanting more and more and more.

I want to know the baby's name?!? Why are they torturing me?

Please tell me Sam and Andy will come back together by the finale. If not it's going to be a long, tortuous wait for next summer.

Jerry is gone but Division 15 will continue. Nothing will ever be the same but I still can't say I regret this turn of events. It's made for some great TV.

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she is overacting her royal coldness. I have to tend my ear to get what she is saying. bottom line her act is getting cold and annoying. I am in shock....disbelief....OMG

imjustafan•August 18, 2012 06:36

I am heartbroken by jerry's death. I really don't care about andy/sam. they do not fit (they are boring) and seriously i understand that Sam is an introvert but he is a great cop. In the early days I was wondering why Andy got to have the big cases and being instrumental on their solving. They wanted to show her as a super rookie, cop in the blood almost shadowing the other rookies. Are we going to have to see a sissy Sam because it suits Andy's character? If she get back with luke i may watch the whole episode, otherwise as long as they focus on these two instead of other characters, i'll be watching suits or sthg else. Someone mentioned that luke did not ask her how she was? why would he? she just got attacked, her friend disappeared (and of course she had to make it about her) and they did not leave in good terms. I liked that. He never was Andy's pet and I like that he is even harder. Did Noah leave the show or what?!?!? Gail got on my nerves. She is overacting her royal coldness now and I have to pay close attention to what she is saying. OMG!!! I am really in shock...disbelief...idk Now I understand why he was writing like a shadow character with Traci at the beginning. I was like that's it? man...I am really shocked....

Deanne•August 18, 2012 05:22

Agreed the episode was great television, but I am so frustrated with the current trend of killing off regular characters on series shows! Makes it that much more difficult to fully invest in the show(s), knowing that characters you really like could be offed at any time for the sake of shock value. I don't know about anyone else, but I kinda like escapism in TV stories...so-called "reality" shows I find insulting to my intelligence and if I want death/destruction, I can always watch the news. Just sayin'.

joe atom•August 18, 2012 04:06

don't you remember the 'FORTUNE TELLER' he predicted that Nicole would have a girl, and that Traci would not marry Jerry. He also told Oliver to go after his kids.

Doe-Rae-Me•August 18, 2012 01:57

I have a feeling that next season is going to rehash the Swarek/Andy/Luke triangle. It is rather convienent that Sam dumps Andy two episodes after Luke's return.

Jane•August 18, 2012 00:15

This was a great episode, I like the start with them at the graveside sharing their thoughts about Jerry. Noelle being mum and bringing Oliver a sandwich to make sure he ate. Dov volunteering that he and Chris would clean out Jerry desk. Finally Gail and Traci bond. Everyone meeting up at the penny to celebrate Jerry, Traci reading the wedding speech, and the raising a glass o her husband.

Mara•August 17, 2012 23:53

I will really miss Jerry. As stellar as this episode was I wish Jerry had not been killed. Andi should get back together with Luke -- they both have learned things from being with other people.

xCAIBx•August 17, 2012 23:53

Wow...not that's entertainment...

Carolyn•August 17, 2012 23:19

fantastik ep but I would like to know the real reason " Jerry" is no longer with the show

I love this show. Every episode is fantastic!I am a huge Andy and Sam fan BUT I was not surprised that they broke up. Sam seems to shut down when he is upset, I hope he find out more about his past. I have a feeling it will be a very long time before they get back together. I think one day Sam will realize he can be a cop AND be with Andy. I think she will rebound with Nick, eventhough he and Gail seemed close in this episode. I still think Gail will get back together with Chris. I think Gail has changed for the better after what happened. However once she heals we will see if she returns to her old ways.A drunk Oliver is funny. They all are dealing with the loss of Jerry in their own way. Tracey is a very strong woman, she is handling it better than I thought she would! I loved the end at the Bar with everyone.